Ground-breaking higher education institution UCFB College of Football Business has scooped a prestigious North West Football Award (NWFA).
UCFB and Burnley FC won the most innovative non-match day use of a football ground category, beating Premier League club Manchester City, at the star-studded event, held in Manchester.
Judges recognised the unique way in which Burnley uses its ground away from match days, partnering with UCFB to secure the institution as a full-time tenant at its Turf Moor ground.
UCFB opened in September and offers, in partnership with Bucks New University, degrees in the operational facets of football. It offers BA (Hons) degrees in football business and marketing, football business and finance and football business and marketing.
The institution is located within Burnley’s stadium, with lecture rooms, the auditorium and student library overlooking the pitch. UCFB has 60 students enrolled in its first year and is looking to accept around 200 in 2012’s intake.
Philip Wilson, Provost and Chief Executive of UCFB, said: “We’re only in our third month and it is fantastic to receive this accolade recognising the innovation shown by ourselves and Burnley FC.
“Innovation is at the heart of UCFB, not just in our location, but in the degrees and education that we offer. We’ll continue to develop and evolve UCFB to ensure that we’re always at the forefront of football industry education.”
Paul Fletcher, Chief Executive of Burnley FC, said: “The opening of UCFB has been a big step for the club. By using one of our biggest assets, the stadium, has provided an extra revenue stream and raised the profile of the club to a different audience.
“It’s great for the town and the region to have an institution like UCFB right on our doorstep – attracting students and speakers from across the world, and giving Burnley’s young people the chance to study in their hometown.”
For more information about UCFB please visit www.ucfb.com
